Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevotron (Post 770431)

I am currently using one to clamp down the hose that is on my return pump
but even though it states is stainless steel it has begun to rust
is there any rust proof clamps that I can purchase if so where ?

Saltwater is a right b*tch when it comes to things like that - I've seen stainless on boats rust like crazy. It depends what grade of stainless it is too - the basic ones sold as stainless won't stand up to salt water without rusting. On boats nobody really uses stainless below the waterline either..

Stainless steel's resistance comes from a protective film of chromium oxide. In stagnant areas where the oxygen content of the water decreases the oxide film is lost and you get corrosion. This may be why people are reporting the screw threads are corroding first.

My best guess for a source of high grade stainless steel clamps would be a chandlery, possibly one on the coast that is catering to boat owners in salt water rather than lakes where freshwater is easier on things..
I might be tempted to try getting a new, clean clamp, tighten it, then drown the whole thing in aquarium safe silicone so it doesn't even get wet..

Just a word of warning. Some of the better alloys (for example Monel) are extremely resistant, but the contain copper, so maybe not a good idea. The copper may play nice and stay in the alloy, but I wouldn't chance it myself.. :neutral: